Hovering above the Asbury Park boardwalk, beach and Atlantic Ocean, Watermark is the ideal setting for those looking for a beachfront wedding in an upscale, unique and contemporary environment and atmosphere.
Opened in 2008 as a premier social club on the Jersey Shore, Watermark quickly established itself as a top-rated mixology bar known for its innovative and fresh cocktail approach. Since then, we’ve also become a leading venue for the 'never-ending cocktail party' wedding reception.
Approach
Our unique appeal lies in our non-traditional ‘de-constructed’ approach. Food is primarily passed - avoiding the formal seated dinner and buffet line – allowing guests to continually mingle, drink, eat, dance and keep the celebration going. Our elegant, modern and well-designed environment often inspire couples to let go of elements such as flowers and decorations as well as traditional dances, speeches and rituals.
Exclusivity
We routinely host semi-private parties such as birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, showers, reunions and holiday celebrations - but wedding receptions are always completely ‘closed-to-the-public’ private affairs.
Capacity
Watermark hosts weddings from 75 to 225 guests.
Availability
Weddings are mostly hosted from late-Sept to mid-June on Saturday afternoon or anytime on Sundays. We do not consider weekend bookings from mid-June through late September or on Saturday evenings due to our established year-round restaurant business and heavy summer beach traffic. We consider Friday evening weddings in November through March. Weekday receptions are considered year-round.
Timing
Receptions last 4 hours with Saturday receptions needing to be completed by 5pm. Sunday and Friday receptions come with no timing restrictions. Ceremonies are an additional hour added to the beginning of the reception and 1-hour extensions for receptions are considered.
Minimums
There is a 75-person minimum on all Saturday and Sunday weddings, and Friday evenings are a minimum of 125 guests.
Setting
Daytime receptions can take full advantage of our expansive, dramatic ocean views – ideal for a sophisticated beach chic approach. Receptions at night capture Watermark’s candlelit nightclub feel - perfect for those looking for a sexier, higher-energy experience with a DJ and a dance floor. Sunday weddings can start in the daylight, incorporate sunset and cross into the evening, providing a full experience of all our settings.
Space
Watermark has 3 distinct rooms with 5,000 Sq. ft. of interior space and 3,000 Sq. ft. of exterior ‘open-air’ space. The venue is equipped with an elevator for handicapped guests, caterers and deliveries.
Seating
Watermark is made up of soft seating: Leather loveseats flank the cozy fireplace; large banquettes wrap around the main room; comfortable armchairs create intimate conversation areas and deep sectional couches offer framed views of the ocean through the main windows.
Set Up
The space accommodates multiple configurations to allow for ceremonies, DJ's, dance floor, live bands/ performers, digital photo booths and other entertainment and services as required. Additional fees may be required for set up/ break down of live bands (Fri/Sun only)
Ceremony
Watermark welcomes you to hold your vows in the space additional flat fee of $1500. Complementary champagne is offered to your guests upon arrival. 24 chairs are available for a rental for $300.00.
Watermark does not provide any assistance or set up or breakdown of beach ceremonies. Beach ceremonies require a permit from the City of Asbury Park and a separate vendor is required for all set up and break down of any chairs or equipment needed.
Open Bar
We offer a full service, 3.5-hour open bar includes house champagne, selected beers, house wines, mixed drinks and a selection of Watermark’s specialty cocktails. Please note that we only carry premium spirit brands, squeeze all of our juices fresh and make all of our mixes from scratch.
In-House Catering (Catered by Watermark)
Watermark functions as a full-service facility providing both catering and bar service. This package includes venue rental, open bar, 3-course meal, sushi station option and coffee bar. Client is responsible for providing dessert, but the venue takes care of setting up and breaking down of dessert bar.
Off –Premise Catering
For receptions desiring an off-premise caterer, Watermark provides the venue rental and ‘wedding open bar’ service only - and clients are required to contract with an outside caterer of choice for all food service. Any off-premise food provider must be a licensed, insured and reputable company. Caterers must provide all food, servers and equipment needed for food service – and agree to certain menu requirements. A list of catering partners can be provided.
Menu Approach (In-House)
Farm Table: Pick-up items are on a central farm table and are continuously replenished during the first two hours of the party.
Appetizers: Hearty offerings passed during cocktail Hour (First 90 Minutes)
Mini Meals: Gourmet entrees passed in small bowls (Served in Hour 3)
Sushi: Sushi Chef rolling a wide variety and special orders (3 Hour Service)
Dessert Bar (Client Supplied)
We recommend a small, ceremonial cake for cutting and pictures along with a variety of different flavored cupcakes to keep the cocktail theme and party going. Other great pick-up options include gourmet donuts, petit fours, truffles, cake-pops, macaroons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, brownies, cannoli, cookies and candy.
Coffee Bar (Included)
A self-serve coffee station is set up on the end of the bar at the beginning of the dessert course featuring white, to-go cups and lids for travel.
Pricing
Ceremony Hour: $1500 Flat Fee (no tax/gratuity)
Full-service approach (venue, bar and 3 course food service) is $165pp.
Sushi Chef & Station is $20pp extra (Minimum 75 guests).
Underage guests eating and not drinking are charged $100pp.
For kids, we offer Chicken Fingers and Fries at $10 a piece.
Outside Catering (venue and bar only) is $15,000 for up to 150 guests with additional guests (up to 225) $75pp.
Extension
One Hour extensions for Sunday/Friday receptions is available, priced at $1000 flat fee (no tax/gratuity). Open bar does not extend past 3.5 hours.
Deposit / Payment
25% of your projected total is required as a deposit to hold the date. A 2nd deposit of an additional 25% may be required 30 days prior to the event. Final payment is due on the day of the reception. We accept checks, cash and all major credit cards. There is a 3% Service Fee Added to All Credit Card Transactions
Maître D’/Gratuity/Tax
All bookings come with a day-of venue coordinator/Maître D’ with a fee of $350. 20% Gratuity and NJ State Tax are applied to the final bill (less venue fee). Gratuity and Maître D’ fee are requested to be received in cash on the day of the event.
Cancellation Policy and Refunds
A full refund will be given if your event is cancelled more than 90 days prior to the reserved date. A 50% refund will be given if the event is cancelled 45 – 90 days prior to the reserved date. Deposited money will NOT be refunded if your event is cancelled within 44 days of the event.
Parking
There are multiple parking lots as well as metered street parking within easy walking distance of the venue. Valet companies are also available for an additional fee.
Touring the Venue
Specific appointments are not necessary to view the venue. Self-guided tours are always available during regular business hours when the venue is open to the public. Appointments are also available.
Entertainment/DJ/Live Music/Bands
Watermark is fully wired and offers all sound for DJ’s, which is referred to in the industry as ‘Plug and Play’. Live Bands are considered on a case by cases basis and may come with additional fees for set up and break down.
Watermark Wedding Menu Fall 2023
Farm Table Large Platters (All Offered)
Chef’s Charcuterie Assorted Meats, Cheeses, Nuts, Honeycomb, Jam, Berries, Crackers
Traditional Antipasto Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Prosciutto, Burrata, Toasted Breads
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail Lemon-poached with Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Smoked Salmon Plate Lemon, Capers, Red Onions, Dill Cream Cheese, Toasted Brioche
Crudité, Hummus & Veggie Dip House Made Dips, Assorted Vegetables, Toasted Pita
Seasonal Fruit Display Greek Yogurt, Local Honey
Passed Hors d'oeuvres (Select 2 from Each Category)
Ahi Tuna Wontons Tamari Sesame Vinaigrette
Jumbo Fried Coconut Shrimp Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Seared Lamb Chops Warm Thyme Rosemary Butter
Mini Lobster Rolls Buttered Potato Roll
Rare Roast Beef Crostini Cheddar, Brioche, Horseradish Peppercorn Aioli
Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops
Filet Mignon Steak Bites Harissa Yogurt
Lump Crab Meat and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage & Peppers Skewers Boardwalk Style (Vegan Available)
Habanero Honey Fried Chicken Bites Flour Fried, Sweet and Spicy Glaze
Four Cheese Arancini with Vodka Sauce and Basil Oil
Avocado Tostada Pico De Gallo, Warm Blue Corn Chip
Meatball Marinara Traditional Italian Style with Pecorino Romano
Truffle and Parmesan Potato Croquettes
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Beef Braised in Sofrito, Cilantro Lime Crema
Seitan Soy Skewers Vegan House Specialty, Citrus Soy Glaze
Seasonal Vegetable Spring Rolls Sweet Thai Chili Dipping Sauce
Falafel Bites Lemon Garlic Tahini
Balsamic Bruschetta Parmesan, Garlic Bread Toast Point
Brie & Raspberries Wrapped Phyllo Warm Melba Dipping Sauce
Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Zahtar Pita Chip
Eggplant & Tahini Spread Grilled Garlic Toast Point
Potato Pancakes Applesauce, Chive Sour Cream
Classic Spanakopita Lemon Oregano Yogurt
Mini Meals (select 3)
Filet Mignon Grilled Asparagus, Whipped Potato, Herbed Jus
Grilled Skirt Steak Roasted Potatoes, Cilantro Chimichurri
Chicken Francaise Fresh Cavatelli and Garlicky Greens
Seared Sea Scallops Wild Mushroom and Truffle Risotto
Penne Vodka with Pancetta & Peas (Available Vegetarian or Vegan)
Pan Seared Halibut Lemon & Caper Butter Sauce over Pearl Cous Cous
Grilled Pork Tenderloin Citrus Marinade, Pico De Gallo Salsa, Yellow Rice
Vegan Chicken Teriyaki White Rice, Sesame Broccoli
Vegetable Fried Rice Sliced Baked Tofu
Sushi Station with Chef ($20pp Additional)
Fresh, Hand-rolled selection of Sushi and Sashimi Made On-Premise and To Order
Wedding Specialty Cocktail Menu
We offer a personalized menu of our cocktails specifically designed for weddings. This diverse collection best represents our signature line of handcrafted recipes as well as our biggest ‘crowd pleasers’.
Weddings are mainly hosted from mid-Sept to mid-June on Saturday afternoons or anytime on Sundays. We do not consider weekend bookings from mid-June to mid-September or on Saturday evenings due to our established year-round restaurant business and heavy summer beach traffic. We do consider Friday evening weddings in the off season (November – March). Weekday receptions are considered year-round.
For more information please contact: private@watermarkap.com
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